After the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Russian and Belarusian biathletes did not compete in the last three parts of the last World Cup season. The IBU suspended national unions on March 29. On Friday, the Salzburg Congress confirmed with a significant majority the proposal of the IBU Executive Board, which in August recommended the extension of both sanctions. The union’s legal adviser, Christian Keidel, explained this by saying that none of the unions “turned away from the actions of their own government in connection with the unauthorized invasion of Ukraine” and also “the proximity of Russian and Belarusian athletes to the units. military of their countries “.
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As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continued, a vote was taken in Salzburg to extend the suspension of activities. Result: 39 votes in favor, 2 against, 5 abstentions. The experts’ expectations were thus confirmed. However, the head of the Russian biathlon, Viktor Majgurov, said that the situation is slowly changing. “I have some estimates of the countries that have supported us, but I will not be specific yet,” Majgurov said, adding that he had received a call from a representative of one of the countries that are among the most influential in the IBU.
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The IBU Congress has adopted the motion presented by the Executive Committee to confirm EB’s decision of March 1, 2022 not to allow the participation of Russian or Belarusian athletes or officials in its international events until further notice.
Yes: 39
No: 2
Abstained: 5 pic.twitter.com/sjMlgwyM9v
– International Biathlon Union (@biathlonworld) September 16, 2022
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“Yes from one of the leaders of the world biathlon. After our letter to the IBU (in which the Russians asked for the suspension to be lifted) they called me and expressed support and understanding. They did not perform today, I understand them, but for me is a good sign. It means a lot, “said Majgurov.
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According to him, there are reasons why the situation should change. Not just in biathlon. “If we take cross-country skiing, it will be the Norwegian championship without ours. The Norwegians themselves would like to fight with the strongest. In biathlon, Russia and Belarus are also in the top 6, so it is also a defeat for the competition”, they Majgur said by the Russian media.
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Rezcovová commented on the news much more sharply. “Just bastards, what else can I say,” she told voting members of the IBU leadership. “Write it down. They just seem to fear our athletes as opponents. Obviously they are afraid of us,” added the three-time Olympic cross-country and biathlon champion.
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